NATCHEZ — Eighty-five days have passed since former Natchez Fire Chief Paul Johnson retired, and the city is still without a permanent replacement.

Johnson retired from his post to pursue the seat of Ward 1 alderman in the May election, and Interim Chief Oliver Stewart took his place.

Mayor Jake Middleton said he hopes a new chief can be appointed within the next few weeks.

“I’m waiting on the Civil Service (Commission) to interview and once they interview, we’ll interview,” Middleton said.

He said he has not talked to the commission as to when they would begin the interview process.

Civil Service Commissioner George Robinson, as of Friday afternoon, said he was out of town and would not be back until the following week.

He said once he returned he would get together with the commission and establish a time to begin interviews.

“Once we do that we’ll turn the favorable applicants over to the mayor and board, probably three,” he said.

While he said he didn’t know how many applications had been submitted, he did say a notice has been sent out for those interested in the job.

Robinson said he wasn’t sure when the commission would be able to get together, due to possible conflicting schedules.

“I can’t say (next week) is when people will be free enough,” he said.

In the interim period, Middleton said Stewart has been doing a good job.

He was Johnson’s recommendation to the board, Middleton said.

“He’s holding it together, I haven’t heard any complaints,” Middleton said.

“I’m sure he’s doing a fine job.”

Once the commission gives its recommendations to the board of aldermen, it will be their task to appoint the new fire chief.